The Dallas Stars debuted their “Blackout” jerseys on Thursday night, coinciding with the debut of Stars rookie goaltender Jake Oettinger. It would be a night of unprecedented numbers. Seven goals from seven different players. One of which coming off of another rookie, Ty Dellandrea. His first career goal. Another great number is zero. Which is the total amount of losses the Stars have after their first four games.
Oettinger stood tall in his first career NHL start, allowing only 3 goals on 22 shots. The Red Wings would make it interesting in the third period, if only for a moment, as they brought the game within one. Unfortunately for Detroit, there was plenty of time left for the Stars to promptly tally three more goals within the closing minutes of the tilt in the American Airlines Center. It seems at this point, aside from injuries, the Stars can do no wrong.
Head Coach Rick Bowness has been forced to face adversity immediately this season, already missing All-Star Tyler Seguin and starting goaltender Ben Bishop. The first year full-time head coach has had no issues leading the Stars to their first 4-0 start in a decade. Bowness looks like he has been having a blast on the bench. After watching “We’re Not Going Home”, it is not surprising that Bowness has this entire roster ready to run through walls for him. Head first. Like drywall.
You can’t say enough about what this team has done in just four games. After a slower style game on Tuesday night against the Red Wings, the Stars jumped ahead right away thanks to the absolutely blazing hot Joe Pavelski. The rest of the Stars followed suit as seven different players would score, including Justin Dowling, John Klingberg, Jamie Oleksiak, Denis Gurianov, and the previously mentioned Ty Dellandrea. (They also took seven penalties on Thursday night, really the only negative in an overall positive evening.)
It’s hard not to be impressed with what Bowness and company have done in only four games. Regardless of the opponents they have played. That being said, it will be an interesting weekend as the Stars take the road for the first time in this young season to face the Carolina Hurricanes. The first of two games is scheduled for 6:00 PM CST on Saturday night.
The Morning Skate 